Has India Sealed the Deal? 770,000 Kalashnikov AK-203s for Indian Armed Forces
India and Russia media reports suggest that the deal for India to procure and produce the AK-203 rifle has been agreed upon. The deal will provide the Indian Armed Forces with a much needed new service rifle.
We have covered the trials and tribulations of India’s endeavours to procure a new service rifle and other infantry small arms extensively here at TFB. Back in February, we brought you an exclusive look at the proposed Indian variant of the AK-203. Check that out here.
Indian and Russian media reports over the last 24 hours have stated that the deal to establish indigenous licensed production in Uttar Pradesh has been agreed during Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh’s ongoing visit to Moscow. 100,000 rifles will be imported from Russia while the remaining 670,000 will be produced under license in India, in line with the Modi government’s ‘Make in India’ policy.
An Indian Ministry of Defence statement is quoted in the reports as saying:
Both sides welcomed the advance stage of discussions for the establishment in India of an India-Russian Joint Venture for the production of AK-203 assault rifles which are considered one of the most modern weapons available for infantry forces. This provides a very positive basis for further engagement of Russian defence industry in the ‘Make-in-India’ programme.
The reported per rifle cost is $1,100, this includes the cost of the technology transfer and the establishment of the production line in India. We have been unable to track down the official Indian statement and no confirmation from Kalashnikov Concern had been published at the time of writing.
As previously reported, the rifles will be manufactured in India as a part of the joint venture Indo-Russia Rifles (IRRPL), established between India’s Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) – with a majority 50.5% stake, and Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern and Rosoboronexport – the Russian state agency for military exports.
Managing Editor: TheFirearmBlog.com & Overt Defense.com. Matt is a British historian specialising in small arms development and military history. He has written several books and for a variety of publications in both the US and UK. Matt is also runs The Armourer's Bench, a video series on historically significant small arms. Here on TFB he covers product and current military small arms news. Reach Matt at: matt@thefirearmblog.com
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All this dicking around for years to buy a quite dull AK variant for $1,100?
just get an ak and start shooting some commies with it.